The Glory Isn’t Mine to Steal

The miracle of belief shines best through surrendered lives—let the Light be seen, not the glass.

Devotional Credit
Adapted from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

Photo Credit
Photo by Unsplash

Oswald Chambers draws our attention to the quiet miracle at the heart of belief itself: it is not born of persuasive arguments or eloquent words, but by the raw, transforming power of God alone. The apostle Paul, brilliant and articulate, refused to depend on his rhetorical skills when proclaiming the gospel. He knew that if his message was carried by his charisma, people might be drawn to him—but not necessarily to Christ.

This calls for a kind of fasting—not from food, but from human impressiveness. We must willingly set aside the temptation to impress with polish, to draw crowds with flair, or to stir emotions with theatrics. Our role is not to create the miracle, but to let the miracle of redemption shine through the gospel itself. When Jesus is lifted up, He draws people to Himself. It is never the messenger who carries the power—it is always the message.

Chambers reminds us that we are ambassadors, not orators. We represent God’s appeal, not our own brilliance. If people are moved merely by our words or personality, we have not truly preached Christ. To draw attention to ourselves—whether by our passion, intellect, or skill—is to unintentionally obstruct the view of Jesus. True gospel preaching always leads the listener past the messenger and straight to the Savior.

In every conversation, every testimony, and every word we share, our task is to vanish into the background so that Christ may be seen. The miracle of belief is God’s doing. Our role is simply to trust Him to do what only He can do—through clay vessels made willing by grace.

Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

My child, it is not through persuasive arguments or shining performances that hearts are awakened to life. I have chosen the weak things of the world to shame the strong, so that no one may boast in themselves. You are My vessel—fragile, yes—but filled with eternal treasure. It is not your delivery that carries power, but My presence within you.

You were not called to be impressive; you were called to be yielded. Just as Paul laid down his eloquence so that the cross would be clearly seen, I call you to rest in Me and speak from a place of trust. The message does not flow from talent but from truth. And that truth—when spoken in dependence—is filled with resurrection power.

Let Me lift up Christ through you. When He is lifted up, I draw hearts near. You don’t need to energize the gospel, embellish it, or wrap it in flair. The miracle of belief is My work. Yours is to abide. Speak from a heart anchored in Christ, not from a desire to be noticed. Share the Word as one who believes it is living and active—because it is.

Do not fear your limitations; they are My platform. I delight to work through surrendered weakness so that all may see that the surpassing power belongs to Me and not to you.

Speak freely, walk humbly, and trust that I will bring life through every word soaked in Christ. You are My ambassador—not an actor, not a performer, not a hero—but a servant bearing the fragrance of My Son.

Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 2:1–5; 2 Corinthians 4:7; John 12:32; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Romans 10:17; Acts 1:8; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:13; Colossians 1:27–28

Real-Life Analogy

Imagine a windowpane on a sunny morning. If it's smudged or clouded, the light struggles to pass through. But when it's clean—almost invisible—the light pours in, filling the room effortlessly. You don’t look at the glass; you look at what the glass lets you see.

In the same way, when we present the gospel, our goal isn’t to draw attention to ourselves, but to be clear panes through which the glory of Christ shines. If we make ourselves the focal point, even unknowingly, we obscure the Light. But if we yield, trust, and let Christ live through us, He becomes visible, unmistakable, and beautiful to those watching.

Today, if you find yourself in a conversation about your faith, or if you're tempted to impress in any setting—pause. Whisper to Him, “Lord, I trust You to shine through me in this moment. Let others see You and not me.” Then speak simply, confidently, resting in His sufficiency.

Prayer of Confidence

Father, thank You that I am not the source of the miracle. Thank You that belief does not rest on my words, my performance, or my personality. You alone awaken hearts and reveal Christ. I rest in that. I rejoice that You’ve made me an ambassador, not a performer.

Today, I choose to yield. I trust You to speak through me without fanfare, without striving, without distraction. Your gospel is enough. Your Son is beautiful. May all glory go to Him, not to me. I am hidden in Christ, and that is where I long to stay.